Abstract: A preferred container apparatus (10) includes tank walls integrally molded of synthetic resin material making up a tank assembly (12) defining a storage chamber (38). The tank walls are configured as a cylindrical tank section 20) and as a plurality of six stacking legs (22-32) wherein the tank section (20) and legs (22-32) both define contiguous portions of the storage chamber (38). The stacking legs (22-32) extend between the top (50) and bottom (52) of the tank section (20) on both sides thereof, and present flat end walls (64, 66, 78) allowing one tank assembly (12) to be stacked on another. The preferred apparatus (10) also includes a base (18) for receiving and supporting a tank assembly (12) wherein the base (18) includes openings or slots (136-142) for receiving forklift tines to lift the apparatus (10) using a forklift.

Abstract: A tank apparatus includes a tank, a base for supporting the tank, and a top protector supported on the base and extending above the tank for permitting a plurality of apparatuses to be stacked on top of one another without transmitting compressive loads on the tanks of underlying apparatuses. The base includes a bottom wall, an understructure depending from the bottom wall for bearing the weight of the base and tank, and a plurality of upstanding hollow columns within which reinforcing members may be provided. The top protector is supported on the columns so that compressive loads exerted on the top protector are transmitted to the base without being transmitted through the tank. Thus, the load bearing capacity of the apparatus is determined by the strength and rigidity of the base and reinforcing members independent of the tank construction.

Abstract: A method of constructing a double-walled tank includes forming the two containers, and removing the top of the containment shell and filling it with hot water so that the containment shell expands temporarily increasing the diameter of the side wall of the containment shell. The primary container is positioned in alignment over the containment shell and is lowered into contact with the hot water, and is filled with cold water of a temperature at least about 70.degree. F. less than the temperature of the hot water so that the primary container contracts temporarily decreasing the diameter of the side wall of the primary container, and allowing the primary container to sink into the containment shell while displacing the hot water from the containment shell until the primary container is resting on the bottom of the containment shell.

Abstract: A container is provided with an outlet opening and an annular insert embedded in the container at the opening. The insert surrounds the opening and includes an inner circumferential surface that is exposed within the opening. The synthetic resin material of the body surrounds the insert except for the inner circumferential surface so that the insert is substantially embedded in the body at the opening. The inner circumferential surface of the insert is threaded to receive an outlet coupling, and seats are defined between the insert and the interior and exterior of the container. A mold is also provided for forming a container within which an insert is embedded. The mold includes an insert assembly having a support and a heat sink which are able to shear free from one another during cooling of the container within the mold.

Abstract: A three-piece tank assembly including a tank, a support base, and a support liner. The tank has a conical bottom with a discharge conduit at its apex; a longitudinally corrugated antisplash filling trough integrally formed with a sidewall of the tank; and an integrally formed cover including a bunghole for providing access to the filling trough. The discharge conduit may include a flow valve and check valve. The base includes a sidewall for nesting engagement with the tank sidewall, a flat ground-engaging surface and transverse longitudinal slots for receiving the forks of a forklift. The support liner has an upstanding wall and a conical top wall for supporting the conical bottom of the tank and nesting within the support base. Mating projections and grooves in the tank and support base prevent relative movement of the three elements of the tank assembly. Each of the three elements is rotationally molded of cross-linked, high density polyethylene.

Abstract: A three-piece tank assembly including a tank, a support base, and a support liner. The tank has a conical bottom with a discharge conduit at its apex; a longitudinally corrugated antisplash filling trough integrally formed with a sidewall of the tank; and an integrally formed cover including a bunghole for providing access to the filling trough. The discharge conduit may include a flow valve and check valve. The base includes a sidewall for nesting engagement with the tank sidewall, a flat ground-engaging surface and transverse longitudinal slots for receiving the forks of a forklift. The support liner has an upstanding wall and a conical top wall for supporting the conical bottom of the tank and nesting within the support base. Mating projections and grooves in the tank and support base prevent relative movement of the three elements of the tank assembly. Each of the three elements is rotationally molded of cross-linked, high density polyethylene.

Abstract: This invention relates to a large capacity, molded refuse container having a lid comprised of two identical, overlapping cover elements. The cover elements are each pivotally interconnected to the container by a hinge means which includes a hinge pin passing through an integral sleeve molded into the hinge. Portions of the hinge pin are exposed to allow the hinge pin to function as a handle.

Abstract: A fastening insert adapted to be molded into the wall of a plastic container in order to provide a flat, fluid-tight sealing surface on the outer surface of the wall. The insert comprises a rigid annular base and a rigid rib which extends axially outward from the base. A plurality of threaded connectors are provided on the insert. The rigid rib and base prevent the plastic material from shrinking and sagging around the connectors during the plastic curing process.

Abstract: A molded container with a hinged lid in which the hinge rod is partially exposed to function as a handle. Integrally molding axle bushings in the container body can support a wheeled axle. The container is characterized by a minimum number of parts which can be quickly and easily assembled after molding.

Abstract: A spraying apparatus, which sprays herbicides, fungicides and insecticides mixed in water or liquid fertilizer, includes a fluid storage tank, a pump and one or more spray heads. An agitator, which is mounted in the fluid storage tank on the end of a bypass return pipe extending between the pump and the fluid storage tank, mixes the fluid in the fluid storage tank. The agitator includes a conical plate or cap overlaying the opening in the bypass return pipe. Spiral shaped fins or ribs are mounted on the concave side of the conical plate for directing the fluid from the bypass return pipe in a spiral rotating fashion to thereby mix the fluid in the fluid storage tank by imparting a gentle rolling action to the fluid. A nozzle between the bypass return pipe and the conical plate provides a fixed gap to control the fluid momentum in the fluid storage tank. The spraying apparatus also includes an anti-vortex device mounted on a fluid outlet pipe.

Abstract: A drum capable of being molded in 55 gallon size from high density, cross-linked polyethylene. The drum body or shell has substantially cylindrical walls closed at both ends, respectively, by top and bottom end pieces or heads integral with the sidewalls. The drum includes an integrally molded hollow arcuate chime located at the intersection of the top end piece or head and the cylindrical sidewall and extending circumferentially around the drum. A plurality of rolling hoops located between the top and bottom end pieces extend circumferentially around the drum and protrude sufficiently outward from the drum walls to permit sufficient engagement by the forks of a forklift to support a fully loaded drum thereon. The drum may be reinforced by a plurality of inwardly protruding vertical ribs which run continuously substantially from the top to the bottom of the drum. The top end piece or head includes at least one bunghole integrally formed therewith.